walk with me…

There is a pit, a long way away from here, though not as far as you may think. It’s not a good place, but it’s not what you think. It’s not a bad place, at least, I don’t think it is. It’s just a place, where I stand and watch.

People walk by, not knowing how close they come to the very edge, little bits of rubble slipping into the depths. Sometimes they see me. I smile and wave but they just push by. Unless they’re on my list.

You’re not on my list though. Not yet anyway. But it changes everyday. Names slip off the bottom or appear in between others. The higher you are, the less likely you’ll be to just pass me by.

It gets boring. And I have, on occasion let some slip through my fingers, just to see what might happen. It’s never good. I end up having to find them again. Then the screaming starts. I hate that part.

So watch what you do, what you say. Do no harm. It’s as easy as that. You know that old saying what comes around goes around. I’m the thing that goes around.

bluing has a metallic taste…

A very quick attempt at ActivelyDying’s prompt.

I singe my finger with the match to watch the flame glow and smell flesh burn. It takes me home. Back to the times when I held a gun and felt safe. When it was all black and white. The enemy was the enemy and we were the good guys.

The room is empty for the most part. I never really cared to get back to civilian life or the trappings of it. Dust hangs in the air and I pace.

Do you ever feel your mind creep back to the scenes you thought you were long past?

Mine does.

I hear the outside world. It sounds suspicious. They’re out there. Around every corner, they wait for me to let my guard down. But I won’t. The enemy is everywhere and nowhere at the same time. Two realities battle in my mind until I cannot find which one is here and now.

I load my gun. Here and now may be right where I cannot afford to be unarmed. I need to be ready for that here and now.

Shots. A car door slamming. Which is it? Both or neither.

Do you know what it is like to get lost on your way to the bathroom?

I do.

I can feel the heat and smell the diesel. Burning flesh.

I’m at war. But I’m at home. It is a long way between to two and I make the trip more than I want to.

My gun is my only comfort and bluing has a taste. The war will be over. And I will end it.